### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **euphraínō**, represented by `{{G2165}}`, means to put someone in a good frame of mind, or to be in one. It is translated as to **rejoice**, **be merry**, **make glad**, or to **fare** sumptuously. Based on the root words for "good" and "mind," it describes a state of cheerfulness and gladness. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2165}}` is used to describe both righteous celebration and worldly indulgence. Its most notable use is in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father declares "let us eat, and be merry" [[Luke 15:23]] because his son who was lost is now found [[Luke 15:24]]. This contrasts with its use by the rich fool, who tells his soul to "eat, drink, and be merry" based on his accumulated wealth [[Luke 12:19]]. The term also depicts the idolatrous joy of the Israelites who **rejoiced** in the golden calf they had made [[Acts 7:41]]. In Revelation, it is used for the command for heaven to **rejoice** over Babylon's judgment [[Revelation 18:20]] as well as for the wicked on earth who **make merry** over the death of God's two prophets [[Revelation 11:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of rejoicing and gladness:
* `{{G5463}}` **chaírō** (to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off): Often appearing with `{{G2165}}`, this word emphasizes a state of happiness. It was considered right to "make merry and be glad" over the prodigal son's return [[Luke 15:32]].
* `{{G21}}` **agalliáō** (properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult): This signifies a more exuberant form of joy. It is paired with `{{G2165}}` in a prophecy from the Psalms, where the heart did "rejoice" and the tongue "was glad" [[Acts 2:26]].
* `{{G3076}}` **lypéō** (to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad): As a direct antonym, this word highlights the opposite of gladness. Paul uses this contrast when asking who can make him **glad** `{{G2165}}` except the one he has made **sorry** `{{G3076}}` [[2 Corinthians 2:2]].
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat (literally or figuratively)): The act of eating is frequently connected to the merriment of `{{G2165}}`, particularly in the context of feasting, such as "let us eat, and be merry" [[Luke 15:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2165}}` depends entirely on the source of the joy.
* **The Joy of Restoration:** The word's highest use is for celebrating what was spiritually dead and is now "alive again" ([[Luke 15:24]], 15:32). This points to the joy that accompanies repentance and salvation.
* **The Gladness of Prophetic Fulfillment:** It is used in calls for God's people to **rejoice** in His redemptive plan, such as when the barren are told to **rejoice** [[Galatians 4:27]] and the Gentiles are invited to **rejoice** with His people [[Romans 15:10]].
* **A Warning Against Worldly Merriment:** The gladness of the rich fool [[Luke 12:19]] and the rich man who "fared sumptuously" [[Luke 16:19]] are portrayed as fleeting and tied to earthly possessions, serving as a warning against misplaced priorities.
* **The Rejoicing of the Wicked:** The word can describe a corrupt and sinful joy, as seen when people **make merry** over the apparent defeat of God's prophets [[Revelation 11:10]] or when they **rejoice** in an idol [[Acts 7:41]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2165}}` captures a wide spectrum of gladness, from celebratory feasting to deep-seated joy. Its meaning is defined by its object. While it can signify the profound happiness of divine restoration and righteous celebration, it also serves to illustrate the hollow and sinful nature of merriment that is rooted in worldly wealth, idolatry, or wickedness.
TRV